Player/thrower training device including ball supported and extensible inner tubular portion telescopically displaceable and biased within an outer tubular and grip-able and elongated and for instructing multi-positional throwing motions

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses a pitcher training device having an outer tube and a telescopically displaceable inner tube. A ball is secured to a projecting end of the inner tube. The user grips the outer tube with a non-throwing hand and concurrently grips the ball with a throwing hand. A forward throwing and release motion is then exerted upon the ball, concurrent with rotation of the outer tube, causing the ball and inner tube to outwardly displace relative to the outer tube. An associated method is disclosed for instructing an individual by practicing a repetitive pitcher motion utilizing the training device

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 62/303,749 filed on Mar. 4, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a player/thrower (e.g. pitcher) training device which combines a telescoping and extensible arrangement with an inner displaceable elongated tubular portion and outer fixed and grip-able cylinder, the inner and extensible tubular portion mounting a baseball at an end thereof. The design of the extensible cylinder is such that the outer most and non-telescoping portion is grasped by a pitcher's non-throwing arm and, in combination with the pitcher grasping the end mounted ball with the throwing hand and arm, the device allows the pitcher to complete a standard pitch and delivery motion. Following forward release of the ball, an elastic and resilient stretch band, spring or other biasing damping structure which may be built into the inter-telescoping portions, can allow for the innermost and ball supported elongated tubular portion to either retard or counter-bias forward motion of the end supported and forwardly delivered ball. An associated method is also disclosed for instructing an individual by practicing a repetitive pitcher motion utilizing the training device

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art is documented with examples of pitcher training devices. A first example of this is the baseball pitching aid of U.S. Pat. No. 6,350,211 to Kolmar which teaches a simulated image of a batter facing a pitcher for use in pitching practice. The lower portion of the batter includes one or more stakes which are inserted into the ground and provide a stable support. By positioning the simulated batter in an appropriate place near “home plate”, a pitcher can use the batter as a reference to determine the location of the strike zone. The size of the batter can be adjusted to vary the size of the strike zone. A ball detection apparatus and audio output can be provided to indicate when a pitch is detected and whether the pitch is a ball or a strike.

Lewis, U.S. Pat. No. 7,470,202, teaches a system for practicing pitching includes a batter mannequin which is selectively movable to a right handed batting position or to a left handed batting position. The batter also can be selectively moved toward and away from home plate, and has a head which automatically faces the pitcher. A catcher mannequin is disposed behind the batter mannequin, the catcher mannequin being selectively positionable along a transverse path. The catcher mannequin has a mitt which may be selectively positioned up or down. The various movements of the batter mannequin and the catcher mannequin are remotely controlled using a remote control unit.

Tellez, U.S. Pat. No. 3,871,647, teaches a baseball batter dummy adjustable in height from 4 feet to about 6 feet, dressed in a batting uniform, and intended to be placed adjacent home plate for use during pitching practice to provide the pitcher with a realistic target during practice. The dummy has telescoping tubes and rods disposed in the legs and torso operable in a rack and pinion manner to selectively vary the height of the dummy and having pressure clips secured in the hands of the dummy adapted to hold the handle portion of a bat therein with the bat being removable therefrom for storage purposes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a pitcher training device having an outer tube and a telescopically displaceable inner tube. A ball is secured to a projecting end of the inner tube. The user grips the outer tube with a non-throwing hand and concurrently grips the ball with a throwing hand. A forward throwing and release motion is then exerted upon the ball, concurrent with rotation of the outer tube, causing the ball and inner tube to outwardly displace relative to the outer tube.

Additional features include any of a restraining or dampening element for controlling displacement of the ball and inner tube in at least a return retracting motion within the outer tube. The restraining element further includes either of an elongated stretch band or a coil-type spring. A base end of the elongated restraining element is anchored within a recessed end of the outer tube, an opposite extending end of the elongated restraining element securing to a mounting location of the ball. The outer tube further includes a hand gripping portion at a first location and a foam pad at a further location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when read in combination with the following detailed description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of the pitcher training device according to a non-limiting variant of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a further illustration of the pitcher training device in an extended and pitcher training/warm up position;

FIGS. 3-7 illustrate a succession of motion locations associated with a pitcher using the training device in each of pre, intermediate and follow through delivery of the end mounted baseball; and

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the training device according to a non-limited variant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the attached illustrations, the present invention discloses a throwing training device such as which may be used by any ball player and, most notably, a pitcher styled training device which combines a telescoping and extensible cylinder, an innermost and extensible tubular portion of which mounting a baseball at an end thereof. As will be further described, the design of the extensible cylinder is such that the outer most and non-telescoping portion is grasped by a pitcher's non-throwing arm and, in combination with the pitcher grasping the end mounted ball with the throwing hand and arm, the device allows the pitcher to complete a standard pitch and delivery motion. Following forward release of the ball, a spring or other biasing damping structure which may be built into the inter-telescoping portions can allow for the innermost and ball supported elongated tubular portion to either retard or counter-bias forward motion of the end supported and forwardly delivered ball.

As will be further described, the present device is a multi-positional throwing motion trainer which is designed to correct flaws and errors in the throwing motion while teaching the user proper arm angle, hip/shoulder separation, and a strong front side when throwing a ball. Referring to the attached illustrations, and as best shown in FIG. 8, the device 10 consists of a specially engineered dual tube arrangement including a fixed and elongated outer tube 12, such also including a foam or other overlay portion, see grip 14, to enhance gripping thereof by the pitcher's non-throwing hand during the training and/or throwing motions. The outer tube 12 has a custom wrapped hand grip 13 and a foam pad 14 (as best shown in FIG. 4 the grip 13 being located contiguous and forwardly of the pad 14). The grip 13 indicates the proper place to hold the device while the foam pad 14 provides stability and comfort during use.

Anchored within the outer/fixed tube 12 is any type of restraining or dampening element such as a stretch band 16 or spring 18 biasing element (see again FIG. 8), such that first or inner ends of the band 16 (at 20) or the spring 18 (at 22) anchor to a recessed interior end location of the outer tube 12 (not shown). Opposite outer ends of the band 16 (further at 24) or the spring 18 (further at 26), extend through an open rear end 28 of the inner displaceable tube 30 and, as will be further described, anchor to the forward end mounted ball. Without limitation, the present invention also contemplates other means for biasing or retarding (i.e. dampening) motion between the inner 30 and outer 12 tubes, such possibly including the use of fluids or counter-pressurized (vacuum) sealing of an interior space defined between the telescoping portions, this in order to provide for controlled displacing motion therebetween during reciprocating extension and retraction.

As further depicted, the smaller inside tube 30 includes a baseball/softball 32 secured or otherwise supported at a front end 34 of the inside tube 30. As depicted in FIG. 8, this can include any engagement structure and, by non-limiting and illustrated example, the front end 34 of the tube 30 can include a recessed or internally threaded profile 36, within which can be threadeably engaged an exteriorly threaded stud 38 anchored to and projecting from the ball 32.

Without limitation, the forward end of the elastic strap 16 (again at 24) or the coil spring 18 (at 26) anchor to the ball 32, such as via a ringlet or other grasping location 40 configured at the end of the mounting stem 38. In this fashion, the stretch band/cord 16, or spring 18, connects and runs from the ball 32 to the back end or butt end of the larger outer tube 12. This design allows the ball and inside tube to extend and retract as the device is being used.

As further shown throughout the other associated illustrations, in particular the training motions of FIGS. 1-2 and the overall throwing motion of FIGS. 3-7, the present training device 10 is designed to be held with one hand on the custom grip 13 and the other hand holding the attached ball 32 while in a normal throwing position. As the user begins the throwing motion by separating or loading their hands in an outward direction the band 16 (or spring 18) is stretched and the ball 32 and inside tube 30 are extended.

When the user completes the throwing motion by moving their arm in a forward direction and releases the ball 32 (see FIG. 7), the ball 32 and inner tube 30 will continue to extend (e.g. displace longitudinally relative to the outer tube 12) following which, and due to the counter-biasing force exerted by the strap/band/spring, is then automatically retracted back to the original position (FIG. 1), and ready to be thrown again. The stretch band design also applies both resistance as the band is extended and assistance as the pitcher's arm is moving forward and the band is retracting promoting strength and quick twitch muscle development, quicker hand and arm swing for faster more powerful throw.

Other benefits and advantages of the present design include each of

-   -   Gives the user immediate feedback both visual and feel.     -   Provides a step by step process to the proper throwing motion.     -   Lightweight.     -   Very Durable.     -   Economical.     -   User friendly.     -   No partner needed.     -   Will teach even the most novice user the proper throwing action.     -   Convenient and compact to store.     -   Incorporates both resistance and assistance training.     -   Increases throwing speed by teaching hip/shoulder separation.     -   Teaches proper arm angle with the elbow leading.     -   Improves throwing accuracy by teaching and promoting a strong         front side.     -   Teaches the user to stay linear and on line during the throwing         motion.     -   Corrects most of the throwing error or flaws from the novice to         the professional player.

Additional to the above advantages, other pre-existing flaws in the throwing motion of the user that are corrected by the present device include each of:

-   -   The thrower not gripping the ball correctly; with the ball         attached to the Throw-Rite Training Stick the user will quickly         learn to grip the top of the ball and also learn and practice         the many different grips for each pitch.     -   Unbalanced hand separation and arm position; the Throw-Rite         Training Stick teaches a thumbs down hand separation and gives         immediate visual and feel feedback. The user can see and feel if         their arms are in a balanced equal and opposite direction during         the hand separation and arm load portion of the throwing motion.     -   The thrower not using a proper arm angle; the Throw-Rite         Training Stick gives the user immediate visual and feel feedback         on their arm angle. The trainer teaches and promotes an elbow         forward throwing motion creating a catapult affect for more         velocity and less stress on the arm and elbow. It accomplishes         this by aligning the arm and elbow to the same angle as the         throwing stick.     -   The thrower opening their shoulders too early in the throwing         motion causing a loss in throwing velocity and promoting excess         stress to the arm and elbow; the Throw-Rite Trainer gives the         user immediate visual and feel feedback as too the direction of         the upper body as the front foot lands in the throwing motion.         The upper body must stay closed or the thrower will lose         velocity and risk arm injury. The throwing stick accomplishes         this by teaching the thrower that the butt end of the training         stick MUST be pointing directly in the direction the ball will         be thrown upon front foot stride and impact. This insures that         the throwers shoulders remain closed and separated from the open         hips. This creates more velocity and less stress on the arm and         elbow.     -   The throwers front side flying open and glove to drop during the         throwing motion causing a loss of velocity and accuracy; the         Throw-Rite Training Stick gives the thrower immediate visual and         feel feedback as to the position of the front arm during a         throw. The training stick teaches that it MUST remain parallel         to the ground during the throwing motion. This creates a strong         front side and more accuracy for the throw.     -   The thrower falling off line during the throw; the Throw-Rite         trainer teaches and promotes linear motion with all the thrower         motion and energy moving toward the intended target for added         velocity and accuracy.

The present invention further discloses a related method of instructing an individual by practicing a repetitive pitcher motion utilizing a training device, the device including a ball secured to an end of an inner tube which is telescopically displaceable relative to an outer tube. Each of a plurality of repeating cycles of the method includes the steps of, gripping the outer tube with a non-throwing hand, concurrently gripping the ball with a throwing hand, exerting a forward throwing and release motion upon the ball, concurrent with rotation of the outer tube, causing the ball and inner tube to outwardly displace relative to the outer tube, and providing a restraining and dampening element between the outer and inner tubes for controlling displacement of the ball and inner tube during both the forward throwing motion and a subsequent return retracting motion of the inner tube within the outer tube.

Additional steps include providing the element as an elongated and stretchable band or, alternately, as a coil-type spring. Other steps include anchoring a base end of the elongated band or stretchable coil spring within a recessed end of the outer tube, an opposite extending end of the elongated band being securing to a mounting location of the ball. Yet additional steps include applying a hand gripping portion at a first location of the outer tube and a foam pad at a further location.

Having described my invention, other and additional preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, and without deviating from the scope of the appended claims. This can include the present training device being utilized by any type of ball player engaged in any of a throwing or even non-throwing training motion with which the present device may be utilized, such also including warmup motions exploiting the advantages of the ball and telescoping tubular arrangement. The present device can further be utilized in a related workout or exercise routine or regimen associated with the player. 

I claim:
 1. A pitcher training device, comprising: an outer tube; a telescopically displaceable inner tube; and a ball secured to an end of said inner tube projecting from said outer tube; the user gripping the outer tube with a non-throwing hand and concurrently gripping the ball with a throwing hand, a forward throwing and release motion exerted upon the ball, concurrent with rotation of the outer tube, causing the ball and inner tube to outwardly displace relative to the outer tube in a controlled forward direction.
 2. The device as described in claim 1, further comprising a restraining and dampening element for controlling displacement of said ball and inner tube following the forward motion and including a return retracting motion of said inner tube within said outer tube.
 3. The device as described in claim 2, said element further comprising an elongated and stretchable band.
 4. The device as described in claim 2, said element further comprising a coil-type spring.
 5. The device as described in claim 3, further comprising a base end of said elongated band being anchored within a recessed end of said outer tube, an opposite extending end of said elongated restraining element securing to a mounting location of said ball.
 6. The device as described in claim 4, further comprising a base end of said elongated spring being anchored within a recessed end of said outer tube, an opposite extending end of said elongated spring securing to a mounting location of said ball.
 7. The device as described in claim 1, said outer tube further comprising a hand gripping portion at a first location and a foam pad at a further location.
 8. A pitcher training device, comprising: an outer tube; a telescopically displaceable inner tube; and a ball secured to an end of said inner tube; the user gripping the outer tube with a non-throwing hand and concurrently gripping the ball with a throwing hand, a forward throwing and release motion exerted upon the ball, concurrent with rotation of the outer tube, causing the ball and inner tube to outwardly displace relative to the outer tube; and a restraining and dampening element extending between said outer and inner tubes for controlling displacement of said ball and inner tube during both the forward throwing motion and a subsequent return retracting motion of said inner tube within said outer tube.
 9. The device as described in claim 8, said element further comprising an elongated and stretchable band.
 10. The device as described in claim 8, said element further comprising a coil-type spring.
 11. The device as described in claim 9, further comprising a base end of said elongated band being anchored within a recessed end of said outer tube, an opposite extending end of said elongated band securing to a mounting location of said ball.
 12. The device as described in claim 10, further comprising a base end of said elongated spring being anchored within a recessed end of said outer tube, an opposite extending end of said elongated spring securing to a mounting location of said ball.
 13. The device as described in claim 8, said outer tube further comprising a hand gripping portion at a first location and a foam pad at a further location.
 14. A method of instructing an individual by practicing a repetitive pitcher motion utilizing a training device, the device including a ball secured to an end of an inner tube which is telescopically displaceable relative to an outer tube, each of a plurality of repeating cycles of said method comprising the steps of: gripping the outer tube with a non-throwing hand; concurrently gripping the ball with a throwing hand; exerting a forward throwing and release motion upon the ball, concurrent with rotation of the outer tube, causing the ball and inner tube to outwardly displace relative to the outer tube; and providing a restraining and dampening element between the outer and inner tubes for controlling displacement of the ball and inner tube during both the forward throwing motion and a subsequent return retracting motion of the inner tube within the outer tube.
 15. The method as described in claim 14, further the comprising the step of providing the element as an elongated and stretchable band.
 16. The method as described in claim 14, further comprising the step of providing the element further comprising a coil-type spring.
 17. The method as described in claim 15, further comprising the step of anchoring a base end of the elongated band being within a recessed end of the outer tube, an opposite extending end of the elongated band being securing to a mounting location of the ball.
 18. The method as described in claim 16, further comprising the step of anchoring a base end of the elongated spring being within a recessed end of the outer tube, an opposite extending end of the elongated restraining element securing to a mounting location of the ball.
 19. The method as described in claim 14, further comprising the step of applying a hand gripping portion at a first location of the outer tube and a foam pad at a further location. 